Climate Action Urgency Grows Amid Disagreements At G20 Energy Transition Meet

A photograph taken on July 17, 2023, shows flooded banks of river Yamuna along the Taj Mahal in Agra

Source : Getty

As the dust settles on the 4th G20 Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting, it becomes evident that the outcome is far from what the world had hoped for. After days of intense negotiations, the G20's Energy Transition Working Group failed to produce a joint communique, leaving the international community questioning the commitment of major economies to tackle the urgent challenges of phasing down fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The final document presented by the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers’ Meeting Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary was a letdown, with only two passing mentions of the word 'fossil'.

Siddharth Goel, Senior Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development, was particularly disappointed to note the neglect of fossil fuel subsidies in the G20 agenda. He was of the opinion that the agenda clearly lacks a call for phasing down fossil fuels despite increasing extreme weather events globally. "The G20 must honour their commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, which surpassed 1 trillion dollars in 2022. The focus on 'low-emissions' hydrogen technologies risks reliance on fossil-based sources, distracting from the essential need to phase down fossil fuels to combat global warming," he said while talking to me. 

It appears that certain members of the G20 were unwilling to come to a consensus on the crucial issue of phasing down unabated fossil fuels, choosing instead to hide behind vague and ambiguous language. This watered-down approach is a step back from the commitments made in previous agreements, such as the Bali Leaders Declaration and the Bali Energy Transition Roadmap, and it sends a disheartening message to the global community about the urgency of climate action.

On this, Ben Backwell, CEO, Global Wind Energy Council, said: "The G20 Energy Ministerial's outcome falls short of achieving a net-zero world by 2050. Despite India's efforts to support renewable energy deployment, the final statement lacks robust policies and targets to rapidly scale up wind, solar, and other renewables. The call for tripling 'zero and low emission' technologies lacks substance."

It is dismaying to learn that the disagreements by prominent countries like Russia and China were key factors behind the failure to issue a joint communique. Russia and Saudi Arabia's objection to tripling renewable generation capacity by 2030, along with China's resistance to increased cooperation on climate change, highlights the challenges in reaching a unified stance on tackling climate issues. Such aversion to ambitious commitments significantly thwarts efforts to build a clean and green energy world, one that is essential to combat the growing climate crisis.

"The contentious negotiations indicate the challenges in meeting Paris targets due to conflicting national interests. The decision text reflects the influence of countries with significant fossil fuel interests, promoting unproven solutions while aiming for net zero goals. India has acted as a fair broker, considering various interests in areas like energy transition, critical minerals, and clean renewables deployment," opined Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends. 

Failure To Reach A Consensus At G20 Energy Meet A Wake-Up Call

The disagreements and lack of consensus within the G20 underscore the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale. We cannot afford to let political interests hinder the progress needed to combat the climate emergency. Climate change is a global challenge that demands collective action and cooperation among all nations. As the host of the next CEM/MI Ministerial Meeting and the G20 Presidency in 2024, Brazil has a crucial role to play in continuing the push for accelerating clean energy and climate action.

Highlighting the role of India in this, Madhura Joshi, Senior Associate at E3G, lauded the efforts of India but also rued the absence of a consensus. She said: “The Indian G20 presidency introduced a positive agenda, including accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and phasing out fossil fuels - some discussed for the first time. However, the final text highlights divisions among countries. The G20 leaders must set an ambitious agenda in September as progress here will determine the tone and success of COP28."

What she said makes perfect sense as it is time for the G20 member states to set aside their differences and come together for the sake of humanity and the planet. Commitment to ambitious targets, concrete action plans, and collaborative efforts are imperative to secure a sustainable future. Only by working together can we create a world that is not reliant on fossil fuels, but instead thrives on clean and renewable energy sources. The G20 has the potential to be a driving force in this endeavour, and it is incumbent upon its members to rise above national interests and embrace their responsibility as global leaders.

In short, the failure to reach a consensus at the G20 Energy Transition Working Group meeting is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. However, it should also serve as a wake-up call for all nations to redouble their efforts and strengthen their commitments to tackle the climate crisis head-on. The fate of our planet hangs in the balance, and we cannot afford to let political disagreements stand in the way of progress. Now is the time for decisive action, and the world is watching to see if the G20 can rise to the occasion and lead us toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

That said, given the decisive political leadership and the nation's unwavering policy priorities, India is uniquely positioned to seize this momentous opportunity. India can very well go it alone and take the lead as it stands at a pivotal juncture, poised to take on a prominent leadership role in advancing the global clean energy initiative.

Key Takeaways From The Meeting Outcome Document

Focus on Energy Transitions: The G20 Energy Ministers aimed to accelerate clean, sustainable, and inclusive energy transitions to achieve secure, equitable, and shared growth while contributing to sustainable development goals and global net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.

Energy Security and Diversified Supply Chains: Emphasis was placed on ensuring sustainable and affordable energy supplies, enhancing technological collaboration, and maintaining undisrupted energy flows from various sources and routes.

Universal Energy Access: Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all was highlighted as a moral imperative, and actions were proposed to eradicate energy poverty and provide support for all sections of society.

Just, Affordable, and Inclusive Energy Transition Pathways: Economic diversification, reskilling of the workforce, and promoting zero and low emission technologies were emphasized to minimize negative socio-economic impacts and support workers and vulnerable communities.

Energy Efficiency and Responsible Consumption: Energy efficiency was recognized as a critical factor in driving energy transitions, and efforts were encouraged to incentivize responsible consumption patterns.

Technology Gaps for Energy Transitions: The importance of continuous breakthroughs and deployment of low and zero emission technologies, such as renewables and hydrogen, was stressed to achieve sustainable energy transitions.

Access to Low-Cost Financing: G20 members aimed to facilitate access to low-cost financing for clean and sustainable energy technologies, especially for developing economies, to support energy transitions and ensure energy access and security.

Takeaways From The Chair's Summary 

Multidimensional Challenges: The global economy faced multidimensional challenges, including energy security, volatility, disruptions in energy markets, economic slowdown, and socio-economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Focus on Renewables: The significance of renewables in achieving universal energy access and contributing to low emissions development was highlighted, along with the need to accelerate deployment of zero and low-emission technologies.

Fossil Fuel Phase-down: Some members emphasised the need to phase down unabated fossil fuels, while others highlighted the role of abatement and removal technologies to address emissions concerns.

Upholding International Law: Upholding international law and multilateral systems for peace, stability, and resolution of conflicts was emphasised, while acknowledging that security issues can have consequences for the global economy.

(The writer is a storyteller and social commentator, who is otherwise a science communications professional with close to two decades of experience.)

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